Adha Rukha Trek with Dhana

Travel Between: June to August & December to February
Single Person: US$ 2440, total net for this itinerary
Two Persons: US$ 2340, per person, total net for this itinerary
Three Persons or more: US$ 2040 per person, total net for this itinerary

Travel Between: March to May & September to November
Single Person: US$ 2940, total net for this itinerary
Two Persons: US$ 2840, per person, total net for this itinerary
Three Persons or more: US$ 2540, per person, total net for this itinerary

Cost Inclusions

• US$ 40 per person visa fees
• Visa arrangement for your stay in Bhutan
• Government SDF and all the taxes
• Accommodations in best-rated hotels on twin sharing
• All meals (break, lunch & dinner), you can choose your restaurant
• English speaking Heavenly Bhutan's licensed guide
• Private transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, imported vehicles only
• Entrance, museums and park fees indicated in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water throughout the journey
• Wearing the traditional dress and playing archery in Paro
• Farmhouse visit/meals with a local family can be organized

Cost Exclusions

• Flight fares – available flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Dhaka
• Personal expenses, phone calls, laundry, shopping, etc
• Gratitude/Tipping
• Single room supplement
• Luxury hotels/resorts available on supplement cost
• Language speaking guide available on the additional cost
• Travel and medical insurance, Heavenly Bhutan can help you
• Extra Cost Activities (cycling, motorbike, river rafting, horse ride, hot stone bath, etc)
• Check out cancellation policy before booking the trip
• Bank wire Incidental charges US$ 25

Notes:
The cost is valid for all nationals and booking open for any dates before 31-December, 2020

Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.5 hrs drive)
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding a placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and a half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina, etc until we enter the welcome gate in Thimphu. Tachongang Lhakhang- En-route to Thimphu, a stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending on your arrival time. Chuzom- the Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri-junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait our King and Queen placed at a custom that is so welcoming to all who visit Bhutan. Explore Thimphu City- If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of the modern city. A good option for imported garments and local souvenir, besides unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers a mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- the only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion, and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs, and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred to as the world the only city without traffic lights. National Memorial Chorten- It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of the late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. Buddha Dordenma- The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Folk Heritage Museum-This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan. Handicraft Emporium- Realizing the importance of socio-economic growth, handicraft emporium was set up with the command of His Majesty 3rd King, this was the first step to showcase the authentic Bhutanese handicraft products in Bhutan. You can still find some of the fine products available here at a reasonable cost. Witnessing Archery Match- Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting the target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic games. Weekend Market/Centenary Farmers Market- An interesting well organized a permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It's open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find a wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Another side of the river is a place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets, and hats, etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. Tashichho Dzong-Houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and government secretariat buildings, beautiful arts and crafts, built-in 17th century. Visitors are open for an hour in the evening and closed during official meetings or gatherings. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Phobjikha (4 hrs)
The road to Phobjikha passes through Dochula the most beautiful pass and crossing old town of Wangdue which will take us through the black mountain region into Gangtey. The drive also passes through some of the most beautiful forests, waterfalls, hills, rivers, and villages, and Pelela passes before stepping into Phobjikha. Enjoy the most scenic and adventurous drive today. Gangtey Gompa - The temple built over the hilltop, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black-necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Gangtey Nature Trail- It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between September-May, walk not recommended on rainy days. Black Necked Crane Information Centre- This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region. Farm House Visit- This experience is a particularly fun and spontaneous way to connect with the local community and learn about Bhutanese culture and way of living. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m.

Day 04: Phobjikha to Adha (Trek Starts) Distance: 9km, 5 hrs, Sleeping Altitude: 2000m
The nature of the trek and trail is amazing as we pass through the beautiful valley under Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, there are chances that we might come across many animals and high-altitude birds. The trail is gradual drop until we reach our first night stay Adha.

Day 05: Adha to Rukha Distance: 9km 5 hrs, Sleeping Altitude: 1390m
Today’s route will take us through mountains and hills of chirpine from Adha village to Rukha village for the night halt. As we take a deep walk from one village to another, you will feel like walking in heaven. Enjoy the night with the locals and relax.

Day 06: Rukha – Taktsa- Tsirang (Trek Ends) Distance: 9km, 5 hrs
We will walk to the nearest road head (Highway Thimphu-Tsirang) from where we will be picked up by our vehicle. We will be greeted by our driver and cheered by our team for successfully completing the tour. Today’s downhill trek is quite gentle and easy, except small stretch before reaching the road. We will see off our team and take a beautiful ride to Tsirang. Enjoy the scenic drive and pictures of beautiful villages. Overnight at Homestay in Tsholingkhar, altitude 1050.

Day 07: Tsirang Sightseeing
We will explore Damphu and nearby villages meeting locals. Damphu is blessed with beautiful weather and vegetation. We will visit the nearby temples, walk to a few villages to enjoy the scenic beauties and enjoy the authentic local southern Bhutanese cuisine. If you are interested we can be engaged in community service like helping locally in the farmland, planting trees or helping them in their veggie garden. Overnight in Tsirang.

Day 08: Tsirang to Punakha (3 hrs)
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Tsirang, which will cross over Punatsangchu Hydro I and II, through beautiful Punastangchu river gorge and pine forests before reaching Punakha. Chimi Lhakhang- This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike through the lovely villages of Mesina gives a truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Punakha Suspension Bridge- Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu River. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Punakha Dzong- Built-in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must-see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between the meeting point of two rivers, Shochu, and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m.

Day 09: Punakha to Paro (4 hrs drive)
As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of the drive will refresh your mind and give you a second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Riverside Visit- visit the riverside to enjoy the crystal clear river and group video/photo is a must in Paro. HBT guides/drivers will take you to the best place to enjoy the beautiful riverbanks of Paro. Rinpung Dzong- 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. National Museum of Paro- Perched above Paro Dzong was watchtower built-in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Paro Town- Tiny Paro town actually can offer a lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Outdoor Activities- Nicely made and well-maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers to wear Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and it is free of cost for all HBT guests. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m.

Day 10: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more historical sites, high-end tourist resorts, and many souvenir shops for shopping including world-famous Taktsang. Taktsang Gompa/Tiger’s Nest Temple- is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take the whole day to complete the hike. Kichu Lhakhang- Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among the 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over a single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Hot-stone Bath- Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite a hut for privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joint pain, and harness many other values. This is an additional cost check with a guide/driver. Overnight in Paro.

Day 11: End of the Tour in the Kingdom of Happiness